One of history’s most resolute, entrepreneurial and accomplished miniature painters, Sarah Biffin (or Biffen) (1784-1850) was born with the condition “phocomelia”, described on her baptism record as “born without arms and legs”. She trained herself to paint despite her parents’ misgivings, using her mouth or a paintbrush tied to her sleeve (as in this self portrait). She was dubbed “the World’s Eighth Wonder”, and her live painting sessions once drew huge crowds; she showed at the Royal Academy and sold her pictures to George IV.

Self-portrait, c.1842, Sarah Biffin (1784–1850)

© South West Heritage Trust and Somerset Council

However, her remarkable story had been largely overlooked by historians until the exhibition last year at Philip Mould Gallery, curated by Emma Rutherford and and Ellie Smith. Following this, The Holburne Museum, Bath are to hold the first major museum exhibition to examine Biffin's life and work. The Holburne presents an incisive and comprehensive picture of Biffin with a discussion of her work within the context of her life and times. It will include portraits, still lifes and ephemera relating to her career.

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